Ways of reading: aspects of narrative theory

What is the course about?

This online literature course looks closely at a diverse range of prose fiction extracts, alongside some of the academic writing which has informed our understanding of how the novel and short story are read. It examines the expectations we bring to fictional storytelling, such as preconceptions about openings and endings, and introduces some of the specialised terminology that has been used to define aspects of narrative fiction.

The course also examines the various material realities which influence the fiction we read: book prizes and festivals; commercial publishing; professional reviewing; adaptation of novels for television and cinema; educational curricula.

This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.

What will we cover?

We will cover a range of concepts related to narrative theory, focusing on academic writing by scholars such as Roland Barthes, Frank Kermode and David Lodge. In addition, we will consider extracts from key essays on fiction by major novelists such as Henry James, E.M. Forster, D.H. Lawrence and Zadie Smith.

Theoretical topics will be approached primarily through close readings of extracts selected from novels spanning five centuries, and representing a variety of literary styles and movements, including realism, modernism and postmodernism. Complete short stories by authors such as Katherine Mansfield and Ernest Hemingway will also be studied.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

• Understand some key concepts in narrative theory
• Interpret texts using a variety of critical approaches
• Identify specific styles and movements in prose fiction
• Reflect on and discuss your own reading of fiction with confidence.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for anyone interested in the close analysis of prose fiction. You need to be open to different ways of reading and willing to listen to and engage with the views of others in discussion.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

There will be a mix of short lecture and/or PowerPoint presentation, and whole-class and small group discussion. You will be asked to read and think about short extracts set before each week’s class.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

All materials will be provided by the tutor.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Please look for other Literary Non-Fiction and Literature courses under History, Culture and Writing/Literature at www.citylit.ac.uk.